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Suresh Raina & MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina share an unmatched camaraderie with each other. Their bond was cemented during their playing days with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, earning them the nicknames 'Thala' (Dhoni) and 'Chinna Thala' (Raina) from their adoring 'Yellow' fans. However, all the memorable on-field moments shared by the duo in international cricket came to an end on this day (August 15) in 2020, when Raina decided to draw curtains on his international career as a form of tribute to his brother and mentor.
The legendary skipper, who led India to victory in three major tournaments - the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy - announced his retirement from international cricket on a Saturday evening. The announcement, in typical Dhoni style, came as a shock to fans: "Thanks a lot for your support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired", he wrote on Instagram, along with a slideshow of his career in pictures.
Here is the video of MS Dhoni's retirement announcement:
The emotional retirement video of MS Dhoni.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2023
- He included his highs, lows, friends & everything included in his 16 years of career. pic.twitter.com/MkI33ZaZ57
Indian cricket fans suffered a double strike on the same day as Raina also decided to hang up his boots minutes after the CSK captain's retirement. Like Dhoni, the southpaw also took to his Instagram to confirm his retirement, stating, "With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you (Dhoni) in this journey."
Dhoni left a lasting legacy in international cricket
MS Dhoni's retirement undoubtedly marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. His captaincy brilliance was a decorative element to his batting prowess and lightning-quick behind the stumps. The Men in Blue scripted history in 2011 by becoming the first host nation to lift the ODI World Cup, and it was sealed by a towering six from the main man as he decided to 'finish off in style'.
The wicketkeeper-batsman, who made his debut in December 2004, has scored 4876 runs in 90 Tests and his ODI record of 10,773 runs in 350 matches is even more impressive. The 42-year-old also ended his career as the third-most successful international wicket-keeper with 829 dismissals.
On the other hand, Raina, who made his international debut in 2005, was the first player to score a century for India in the shortest format. In 2010, he became the first Indian player to score a century in all three formats. Considered one of the best fielders in the game, Raina has scored 5615 runs in 226 ODIs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 93.51. In his strongest format, T20, the 36-year-old has amassed 1604 runs for India at an average of 29.16 and a strike rate of 134.79. His consistency and stunning performances for CSK in the IPL earned him the tag of 'Mr. IPL'.